News Highlights:
- The UK Nautical Institute certification awarded to NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence validates the Centre’s training standards as globally competitive.
- The achievement’s national impact, as it strengthens Nigeria’s maritime reputation, boosts the employability of Nigerian seafarers worldwide.
Nigeria LNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) has announced that its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), based on Bonny Island in Rivers State, has secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Centre, which serves Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community, is equipped with advanced simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the professional development of seafarers and maritime experts.
Speaking at a press conference, NSML’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, described the certification as a strong validation of the quality and rigour of training delivered at the Centre.
He noted that the recognition confirms MCOE’s compliance with internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
The UK Nautical Institute’s accreditation now authorises the Centre to deliver key Dynamic Positioning programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses, placing MCOE among the few institutions in West Africa with this level of recognition.
The Centre also holds accreditation from DNV under ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.
In addition, it delivers specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), covering Gas Tanker Operations, ECDIS, Human Element Leadership, and High Voltage Training.
Ahmed emphasised the significance of the achievement for Nigeria, explaining that it strengthens the country’s global standing by proving that training standards developed locally can compete internationally.
He added that it enhances the employability of Nigerian maritime professionals, reduces reliance on foreign institutions, and reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector.
Beyond the industry, he said the impact is broader, as a stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy, supporting job creation and national competitiveness.
He credited the milestone to strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capability, and robust quality assurance systems, stressing that NSML’s ambition is to build not just a training institution but a true Centre of Excellence.
Looking ahead, Ahmed reaffirmed NSML’s commitment to expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians and deepening international partnerships to build a maritime institution that Nigeria can be proud of and that commands respect across the global maritime community.
He also acknowledged the dedication of staff, instructors, partners, and stakeholders whose efforts made the achievement possible.